Chain mount for front of L2501

[Runs With Scissors]

Since buying the tractor I have been trailering it way more than I thought I would between the cottage and home. I was using straps and they worked good for a while but I noticed some chaffing recently and that did not sit well with me.

I decided to switch to chains but the idea of scraping up my axles was also problematic (I know...it's a tractor it's gonna get scratched...)

Anyhow I saw a thread about a D-ring and that turned into this.

BTW I just got this little plasma cutter and wow has it changed life in the shop. Works fantastic.

Here is the initial set up and with a side view. I probably should have used 3/8 plate but 1/4 should be strong enough.

 

[Runs With Scissors]

I could not decide between chain hooks and D rings.

So my solution was.....both.

I also decided to add a top plate to utilize the 4 existing holes and a middle stiffener to help minimize flexing

 

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After placement was finalized I knocked off the D-rings to allow room for my tig torch.

 

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Then disaster struck......I was using a #10 cup and had the machine cranked to the max and the cup was glowing red when I set it down on the cool table top it popped and cracked in half. So there I am at 0530 on a Sunday morning with no suitable replacements for my tig torch.

I typically like using tig when I can. But wasting the day by doing home chores was simply not an option I was content with.

I decided to switch to mig. Keep in mind I am not a welder by any means. I always try to use tig when I can because it looks better, is less messy and smokey, but sometimes you gotta do what you gotta do.

Roll out the mig machine.......

 

[Runs With Scissors]

After a soak in vinegar for a day or so it was ready for top coat.

I had a Quart of Rust-O-Lem bed liner paint that I have been happy with so I decided to use that.

 

[mcfarmall]

Yeah, that ought to do the trick.

 

[beckmurph]

Attached with grade bolts.

 

[Showmedata]

Looks great. You must have a big honkin' TiG to throw beads that size!

I don't know the soak-in-vinegar trick - what all does that remove?

 

[barts]

Nice. That should hold it down. Chains definitely last longer in this kind of service than straps do. I usually stick weld stuff that needs to be strong because I'm always nervous about getting proper penetration w/ MIG - that's likely because my Idealarc is so much bigger than my small Miller mig.

 

[The Evil Twin]

Looks great. You must have a big honkin' TiG to throw beads that size!

I don't know the soak-in-vinegar trick - what all does that remove?

Vinegar will etch the metal. Doing this will give the paint something to latch on to. Paint will peel more easily if the surface is too smooth.

 

[NCL4701]

After a soak in vinegar for a day or so it was ready for top coat.

I had a Quart of Rust-O-Lem bed liner paint that I have been happy with so I decided to use that.

Nice job, and write up.

 

[Runs With Scissors]

Looks great. You must have a big honkin' TiG to throw beads that size!

I don't know the soak-in-vinegar trick - what all does that remove?

Thanks, but it's not really that big. It's a Thermal arc 185, but I beveled the hook and did multiple passes and then a cover pass to with the mig machine in order to make it look better.

 

[Runs With Scissors]

Vinegar will etch the metal. Doing this will give the paint something to latch on to. Paint will peel more easily if the surface is too smooth.

Yes, and it also removes the mill scale (which was my motivation)

Sometimes I use Muriatic acid when I can do it outside, but in the winter I use vinegar cause I can do it in the basement.

 

[Runs With Scissors]

Nice job, and write up.

Thank you.